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Autism: a review

Article type: Other

Authors: Ozand, Pinar T. | Al-Odaib, Ali | Merza, Hania | Harbi, Saleh Al

Affiliations: Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre Head, Department of Special Education (Girl's Section), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Medical Chief Officer of King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) and of the Maternity and Children's Hospital KFMC. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Note: [] Correspondence: Pinar T. Ozand, MD., Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia. Fax: 966-1-442 4585; E-mail: Ozand@kfshrc.edu.sa

Keywords: autism, clinical and genetic aspects of autism, intervention in autism

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neurology, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 55-67, 2003

Received 15 October 2003
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Accepted 26 October 2003
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Published: 2003
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Abstract

This is a review of autism spectrum disorders. It presents the symptoms of the disease discussing the age of diagnosis and first symptoms encountered. It is a polygenic disease that occurs mainly in boys. The importance of early diagnosis is emphasized. The assessment scales used for early diagnosis are discussed. The anatomic basis of the disease is detailed. The molecular genetic aspects, and the techniques employed are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed in chromosome abnormalities observed in autism. Its incidence worldwide is increasing dramatically. This is considered to be due to epigenetic events. Several hypotheses for such epigenetic processes are discussed. Finally the state of intervention in autism and its paradigms are detailed. (J Pediatr Neurol 2003; 1(2): 55–67).

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